Answers

Q:

I heard that the Bible says the world is going to get worse and worse as the end of time approaches. Is that true? We've had some horrible crimes in our city lately, and I can't see how things can get much worse.

A:

Yes, the Bible does indicate that as the time for Christ’s return approaches, evil and social chaos may well intensify. The Bible says that “evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13).

Are we living in those days? Only God knows the answer to that; the Bible makes it clear that we aren’t to predict the exact time of Christ’s return or claim to know when it will happen. Jesus said, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36). The world has faced terrible times before, and so have God’s people.

At the same time, many of the signs or events that Jesus said must take place before His return are certainly in place. Never before, for example, has it been possible to penetrate virtually every corner of the world with the Gospel, as Jesus predicted (see Matthew 24:14).

Make it your goal to be faithful to Christ, no matter what happens in the world around you. We may be tempted to withdraw, or to react negatively to those who don’t agree with us. But God loves them, and He wants to use us to share the good news of Christ’s forgiveness and new life with them. Remember Jesus’ words: “As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work” (John 9:4).